While working and studying in the country, Mr Sigley publicly wrote favourably of his time there. In one of his blogs he boasts of trying around 100 different restaurants then goes on to name the best together with descriptions and pictures of various dishes.

His release came after the Swedish embassy in Pyongyang met with the North Korean government. And while the world wondered why he had been detained, North Korea made an announcement accusing him of being a spy, an accusation he adamantly denies.

Now we are left to scratch our heads and wonder what to make of Alex Sigley. Is he a spy, or perhaps a mercenary? Or is he just an ignorant, naive dreamer wanting to believe the best of a country he has learned to love? I believe the only person who can answer these questions is the man himself.

THERE are two current issues that I believe affect Newcastle's future. One is the further development of the port for cruise ships, and the second is climate change.

Infrastructure NSW has advised that the $12.7 million funding for the cruise terminal project is no longer available ('Terminated', Newcastle Herald 24/4).

The withdrawal of funding of the cruise ship terminal reminds us of the reliance on the export of coal as the main port activity. There seems to be compelling evidence that most of the world's larger economies are working very hard to develop the knowledge and industries to move away from coal-fuelled power.

If we are going to be ready for the loss of the market for our coal, we need to be developing our own slice of these industries. That means more funds for research and innovation, a political recognition of the problem and starting early to develop training to allow those working in coal to transition to jobs in the new industries that will be created in the near future.

A healthy society depends on the majority of the people having a purpose, a job. The workers are not to blame. Politicians, business and industry, we all need to be ready to support those who will lose jobs in this brave new world.

Finally, a postscript to climate change discussion. When governments calculate Australia's contribution to global carbon emissions they conveniently leave out that Australia, even though we have a small population, are one of the world's largest producers and shippers of coal. When this is taken into consideration, our contribution will increase dramatically. Some may say we're just selling coal. The tobacco companies and James Hardie asbestos ran the same excuse, that people wanted their products. For mine, this does not stand up.

IF the Newcastle Jets have half the attitude of their chief executive, Mr Lawrie McKinna, they are in for a great season.

I was walking my dog today and came across the Jets training. I stopped to talk to a couple of gentlemen on the park. One turned out to be Mr McKinna (I have seen him on the TV). What a great chap. He did not know me, but answered my questions about the Jets, their upcoming season and about their new signings.

In my opinion Mr McKinna is a credit to the Jets and a credit to Newcastle. I hope he has a long and enjoyable time here. Thank you, and sorry about Wilson jumping up on you.

I HEARD Pat Dodson on radio earlier today, and must agree with him that three years is a long time to wait for action on what we hope is or are the inevitable treaties ('Some MPs wary of indigenous voice', Newcastle Herald 12/7).

The truth is, it has been way too long already and a lot of us are wondering why.

IN his speech to the Hillsong annual conference (The Guardian, 10/7), Scott Morrison said "my job is the same as yours: love God, love people". I thought his job was prime minister.

After six years promoting fear and greed, his government will now apparently spread love. But no doubt just among those who "have a go". I believe it's the prosperity gospel in action.

Mr Morrison can love God all he wants. I'm not really interested. I'm interested in what he and his government plan to do about the many issues facing the country, other than praying about them. Grace won't save the Murray-Darling.

I believe the prime minister is showing his true colours, and we should be alarmed. Our society is secular for good reason. It is also made up of people from virtually every faith and background.

The last thing we need is a proselytising prime minister.

JAN Burt and Daryll Hadfield (Letters, 11/7) saying Israel Folau was sacked solely for breaking his contract only begs the question: how?

I say he posted Bible quotes at which the gay lobby and rugby sponsors took offence, and the rugby bosses fell into line.

If it is only about the contract, why has the NRL ruled out a Folau return? He has no contract with them. In my opinion he is the unrepentant sinner cast out. How can you be inclusive when you exclude?

As for Folau being detrimental to business or damaging the interests of his employers' clientele and audience, I believe the business of rugby should be rugby, not gay rights or Christianity. Rugby's clientele and audience includes Folau fans and supporters. Look at his team's results and match attendance figures without him.

What about footballers whose contracts haven't been torn up for truly awful, even criminal, behaviour? Quiet Australians, including non-believers, have worked all this out, donating $2 million plus in a day or so for Folau's legal defence.

Virtue-signalling claims that this is an unworthy cause I believe label quiet Australians as deplorable Australians, a counter-productive move.

THE pen goes to Peter Sansom, of Kahibah, for his letter on St Columban's Church.